No need for Jordaan to give-up SAFA role

BY CHARL BOSCH - MAY 19, 2015

A call by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for newly appointed Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Danny Jordaan, to vacate his position as CEO of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has been rejected as it does not command an executive role.

Shortly after his appointment yesterday as replacement for Benson Fihla, EFF National Spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, said that Jordaan’s decision to take-up an “active life in politics on behalf of the kleptocratic ANC” renders him unsuitable as the face of South African football requires neutrality “regardless of political affiliation”.

In an interview with News24, SAFA Spokesperson Dominique Chimhavi said that association president are often employed by other institutions, and that Jordaan’s case is no different.

“The president of rugby is not employed by rugby, the president of cricket is not employed by cricket, the presidents of all other associations across the globe are not employed by the associations,” he said.

Speaking in a statement, Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chairperson and Eastern Cape leader Athol Trolip, described Jordaan’s new role as nothing but a “pre-election gimmick” and proof that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) “cannot find a suitable Mayor among their own members in Council”.

“No matter the public face of the ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay, it will still be the same party that has dragged the City to its knees,” said Trolip, in reference to Jordaan being the municipality’s fourth mayor in six years.

“There is no new face to the ANC that can repair the deeply-rooted governance failures in Nelson Mandela Bay.”

Jordaan is still to comment on his new role while no mention has yet been made as to when he is expected to take-up office due to Fihla still having to table his resignation.